My Chit Chat

Tuesday, February 23, 2016

Benefits of Broccoli Sprouts

Broccoli sprouts should be one sprout that is consumed by everyone. Why? Because it contains sulforaphane which is a known cancer cell killing beast.

Sulforaphane

It is known to activate enzymes which prohibit the growth of cancer cells and inhibits the growth of tumors. While sulforaphane is found in a variety of vegetables it is most predominant in broccoli sprouts. Studies done by the John Hopkins Center have determined that the greatest amount of sulforaphane is found in the sprouts when they are 3 days old, 10 - 100 more. They also detox the body from cancer causing carcinogens.

Other Benefits of Sulforaphane

Arthritis

Blood pressure

Kidney stones

Anti aging

Improve immune system

Heart health

Autism

Respiratory health such as asthma

Skin health

Prevent Helicobacter pylori bacteria in the gut which can lead to cancer

Hypertension

Osteoporosis

Diabetes

Minerals

Calcium

Potassium

Iron

Magnesium

Phosphorus

Zinc

Trace elements

Chorophyll

Amino Acids Antioxidants

Protein

Vitamins

A

B

C

E

K

Sprouting

1 Quart size wide mouth mason jar

1 Sprouting lid

Filtered water

1 tsp seeds

Put the seeds in the jar, add about 3//4 cups of water, and add the lid. Let it sit out of direct sunlight for 8 - 12 hours. With the lid on drain the water, add some more water and swish it around making sure the water touches all of the seeds. Drain well, shake the seeds around to separate them some, and set it on its side with a towel under the lid to catch any access water. Repeat the rinse and drain process 2 - 3 times a day for 4 - 5 days or the first leaves appear.

Broccoli sprouts leave a hull behind. It is advised that these be removed due to their heavy water content which could cause the sprouts to mold. To remove the hulls place the sprouts in a bowl with some water. Gently separate and swish the sprouts around, the hulls will float to the top, remove and add to your composting, or garden. Place between two towels pat dry, separate, and let sit for 2 - 3 hours. Store in glass container in the fridge for about a week.

Eating

These sprouts should be eaten as the chewing process is what activates the sulforphane. Add them to salads including egg or chicken, pasta dishes, soups, stews, sandwiches, pizza, and what ever else you would like to. Personally I would not cook them into foods as the heat will remove some of the vitamins and minerals.

4 comments:

I love sprouts and broccoli, so I'm sure I'll enjoy broccoli sprouts. Sulforaphane is a new one on me. Thank you for educating me today.

Please forgive me for being dense, but what does the "10-100 more" refer to at the end of this sentence: "Studies done by the John Hopkins Center have determined that the greatest amount of sulforaphane is found in the sprouts when they are 3 days old, 10 - 100 more."

Also, if you could link to the studies to which you refer, I would appreciate that as well. I'm kind of a deep-diver that way! : )

Nova Nutritions Broccoli Sprout Extract is a high-quality broccoli (Brassica oleracea) sprout extract, standardized to 6% glucosinolates and 0.3% sulforaphane, the active constituents found in cruciferous vegetables. Broccoli sprouts are young (three- to five-day-old) broccoli plants, similar in appearance to alfalfa or bean sprouts. Although less nutritious than mature broccoli, which is packed with vitamins and minerals, broccoli sprouts contain unique phytochemicals that have been extensively researched for their effects on human cellular health.